J-frames and other snubbies aren’t just for pockets and inside-the-waistband carry. Carry one outside the waistband and you’ll enjoy one of the greatest carry configurations known to the concealed carry world. Why? It’s the winning combination of a lightweight gun and the known comfort and accessibility of the venerable OWB holster. When you think about it, it’s really a formula that’s quite simple.
The DeSantis Mini Scabbard is one of those OWB holsters that ought to be in everyone’s proverbial shoebox of holsters — especially if a snubby is in your concealed carry rotation. The little brother of a long line of capable DeSantis scabbards, few holsters do a better job of keeping carry simple. Formed from a single piece of stitched leather, the Mini Scabbard offers a double belt-loop configuration that allows a pants belt loop to pass between the leather loops for a no-slide attachment. The loops will accommodate belts up to 1½ inches wide.
Not all Mini Scabbards offer a tensioning screw, but this one does. Not that it really needs it. The rough leather that lines the inside of the Mini Scabbard does a fine job of retaining whatever gun you’re carrying. Just the same, if you want it tighter, you can adjust it accordingly. There’s no additional retention and no mouth reinforcement. But the leather has natural stiffness to it, which helps keeps the mouth open for reholstering.
The DeSantis Mini Scabbard is cut low, so it’s very easy to get a full grip on your snubbie and enjoy a solid draw. It puts the gun at just a slight-forward cant, pointing the stocks up where they are easily hidden by covering garments and elbow. The outward facing leather is smooth and good looking, sporting lines which follow the contours of the gun carried. The lowest part of the holster extends just a couple inches below the bottom of your gun belt but is easily covered by most untucked shirts. Just be mindful when you raise the arm on the same side of your body as the holster, as this will draw any covering garment upward, potentially exposing the holster.
Offered in tan unlined leather — the one you see here — or black, the DeSantis Mini Scabbard retails for $62.99. It’s one of those holsters that’ll last forever and will quickly become a favorite. And while it’s great for concealed carry, it’s also a capable carrier for those days when you’re just carrying around the house or out in the backcountry.
Normally I’ll carry a snubbie in the Mini Scabbard at 3 or 4 o’clock, but sometimes I’ll change that to 1 o’clock if I’m wearing a jacket or a hoodie. In any carry location, standing and sitting is no problem. In any carry location, drawing and presenting is a breeze. Granted, it takes a bit more effort to conceal an OWB holster and gun than an IWB, but with a minimal gun and minimal holster, it’s still simple.
